Victory takes Oakham back to the top

John Evely

Oakham United climbed back to the summit of the PDFL Premier Division with a crushing 5-0 win away at Sawtry on Saturday.

The Rutland side leapfrogged their main rivals for the title Coates Athletic, who could only draw 1-1 at home to Netherton.

It means Oakham now have a one point lead at the top of the table and a game in hand on Athletic. If they can hold their nerve the title is theirs.

Robbie Dance scored a brace for United at Sawtry to join Lewis Leckie, Adam Rothery and Sven Hart on the score sheet.

Coates and Netherton taking lumps out of each other in recent weeks has aided Oakham’s title challenge.

The two sides drew 4-4 at The Grange last month and it was all even again at Feldale Field at the weekend. Dwayne Rankin fired the city side ahead, but Liam Harrold quickly equalised for Coates.

Stilton have emerged as dark horses for the title. They are third with games in hand on the top two following a 3-0 home win over Holbeach United Reserves. Craig Smith scored all three goals for Stilton.